While I’ve tried out samples and test versions of GlamGlow products in the past, I had never sprung for a full sized item or starter kit prior to testing out the #Multimasking Mask Treatment Set, which includes 6 of the brands bestselling mask treatments in smaller sizes.
The set seems to make a lovely gifting option, including gifts for the self (aren’t those that we select often the best anyways?), as well as a way to try out different products at once as an introduction to the brand. While I did not anticipate they would last very long based on the sizing, I was pleased to discover they last for quite some time (several months), adding further value to a set that already comes at a comes at a great cost in comparison to retail with a sleek aesthetic.
The products are all suitable for every skin type, including very dry, and combination or oily, and are free of any parabens or sulfates. While some with sensitive skin do enjoy the products, I will mention that the brand employs quite active ingredients in some formulations, which may be irritating to some. With very sensitive skin, there is certainly a chance of reaction to at least one of the products in the set, so it’s important to do a spot test prior to using the product on the face. However, those with any trepidation about any skin reaction may have fears assuaged by reviewing the generous money-back guarantee (applicable for exchange if the item is a gift), which favors the consumer.
This review will cover overview on the set as well as some main pros and cons, and briefer reviews for all mask treatments included.
The Main Features
GlamGlow’s mask set features 6 cult-favorite topical treatments in .35oz-.7oz sizes. While this sounds quite small, it’s important to bear in mind even with regular use (daily use is possible but certainly not required), the products all offer great longevity, and last for several months of continual use. The featured masks are the Supermud Clearing Treatment, Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment, Gravitymud Firming Treatment, Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment, and Flashmud Brightening Treatment. The work individually as well as in tandem to deliver benefits to the skin including improved hydration, decrease breakouts, improve tone and clarity, and treat any dry or dull skin.
They also all tend to really improve the appearance of pore size, while helping provide a more radiant, refreshed complexion. I noticed brightened skin very quickly, and improved visible benefits with continual use, that was faster than anticipated. Here is a look at all of the products included in the set and brief reviews for each:
Supermud Clearing Treatment
This treatment is formulated with activated charcoal.
I was initially concerned about irritation and redness as I had previously experienced this with a different activated charcoal mask, but was happy to discover it wasn’t irritating at all, and did not dry out the skin at all. I left it on for different amounts of time to test out use, and the 15 minute range seemed to suffice and provide maximum benefits. Skin was left smooth, more radiant, and definitely appeared brighter. While I would not call it a hydration treatment (and applied moisturizer following use), it is not at all dehydrating either. It helped in minimizing the appearance of pores, and helped prevent breakouts, as it works as an anti-acne treatment. Activated charcoal works by lifting any debris or dirt from the skin, improving any congestion, while a potent mud formula works to improve overall clarity and support skin balance.
Skin feels clean, renewed, and balanced following use, and I would certainly recommend this product, which contain a proprietary blend of ingredients that can’t be found with any other product or under any other brand.
Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment
This was another favorite from the set, and is designed to provide anti-aging and hydration benefits.
After 10 minutes of use, it softens the skin and brightens the complexion, providing visible results quite quickly. The formulation is a multi-use product, that hydrates the skin and exfoliates in one, removing any impurities without stripping oil from the surface layer. With this mask, I definitely noticed a decrease in the appearance of pore size as well. This is a great solution for dull skin or for those seeking exfoliating treatments without any dryness after use. It smells great and has a bit of a tingle upon application (this is normal and not an allergic reaction).
Immediately following use, skin feels softer and appears more radiant, yet clean and free of any dirt or acne-causing bacteria. It did not break out my very sensitive skin, and smelled lovely.
Gravitymud Firming Treatment
This mask is peel-off and mud based, and designed to make the skin appear firmer.
This mask seems the most aggressive in terms of tackling anti-aging benefits, and is designed to promote a more youthful aesthetic, while treating signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, and even sun damage. Following use, my skin was definitely firmer and tighter, without any drying or irritation (does not break out the skin). It peels off after about 40 minutes, and admittedly I would prefer a faster peel-off time, however it can be washed off with water if desired. I loved the scent and it left my skin fresh, hydrated, and appearing more radiant. This is a great treatment for those seeking hydration and anti-aging benefits, but not great if you’re in need of a very fast on-the-go treatment. I would have washed it off with water after 20 minutes but did want to experience pulling it off as it’s designed, and am still uncertain of if results would be the same without waiting until it’s ready to peel off.
Works wonderfully if used before applying a foundation, and if you use a matte finish you can expect a more radiant, dewy look following application.
Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment
This mask provides excellent hydration benefits for those with dry skin and can be used traditionally for a shorter time or used as an overnight treatment.
It smells great, and has a lightweight texture that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin, but still softens quite nicely. It’s also quite gentle and seems suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. I left it on overnight and woke up to very soft skin that was brighter and more radiant, and product did not get on sheets or pillows. I definitely recommend this to anyone seeking a solution for dry skin or dry patches, as skin is baby soft following even 25-30 minutes of use. I highly recommend testing it out overnight as well and skipping on moisturizer for the evening.
To be fair, for those without an allergy to the product, fans of the product seem to love it for it’s ability to treat hyper-pigmentation, anti-aging benefits, exfoliation, and hydrating benefits.
Flashmud Brightening Treatment
Unfortunately this mask really triggered my sensitive skin.
Within minutes following application my skin became extremely red, felt warm, and was highly irritated. It’s important to bear in mind that this typically happens to me using any mask set with at least one item, as I do have quite sensitive skin. However, in reading other reviews I noticed this seems to be a common complaint, particularly in reference to the Flashmud formulation. I highly recommend doing a spot test prior to using it on the face, as one should with any topical product and skin sensitivity (I failed to do this).
I treated the red skin quickly with Shea butter and irritation did not last too long, but redness was apparent for some time, and more pronounced than I would have preferred.
Powermud Dualcleanse Treatment
This is a mud to oil based mask designed to remove any buildup of makeup, dirt, or oil from the week, without drying or stripping the skin.
It’s quite gentle, smells great, and definitely feels quite refreshing. As with many of the other products included in the set, I noticed visible improvements in the appearance of pore size. When you add on water, the mud turns into an oil, providing a gentle yet deep cleanse and renewed skin. It was soothing and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The only caveat is while I did not feel the product was drying, it does not necessarily replenish hydration for dryer skin types, so a moisturizer is required following application. There’s an additional benefit of decreased breakouts, as this is designed to prevent and treat acne as well.
This is a great treatment if you’re seeking exfoliation as well as cleansing, looking to treat breakouts, or seeking these benefits and have sensitive skin.
Positives and Negatives
Overall, I felt the set was a great value, and the amount of product received is a better deal than purchasing a single mask in a full size at retail price. I really enjoyed testing out all of the different products and felt the offered visible improvements including brightened skin, a more radiant complexion, improved hydration, and overall evenness in tone. The additional benefit was a decreased appearance of pore size. While one of the masks did irritate my sensitive skin, I enjoyed the others so much I did elect to keep them, and gave the irritating one to a friend (who was able to use the mask without any issues). While it is on the pricier end, you should bear in mind that the set will last several months, and in comparison to retail value it seems like a great savings and way to test out several products in one go.
Here is a look at some of the key positives and negatives, to keep in mind prior to your purchasing decision:
Pros
- Makes a wonderful gifting option for recipients who enjoy skincare, or a gift to self
- All products are portable and suitable for travel, all can be taken as carry-on items on planes
- Products are all formulated free of any parabens or sulfates
- Cruelty-free company: company does not test on any animals or use any animals to formulate or manufacture products
- Products (excluding one) all lived up to initial claims and brightened my skin, restored radiance, improved clarity, hydrated skin, and boosted overall tone
- Suitable for all skin types, however those with very sensitive skin types should definitely opt for a test treatment on the hand or neck prior to application, as masks can contain very active ingredients which may be irritating to some
- Great way for those new to the brand (as well as fans) to try out different products and see different benefits at once
- Great discount in comparison to retail value, the set offers value, although it certainly isn’t in the “inexpensive” category
- Products all smelled lovely and provided a clean, refreshing finish
- The SuperMud mask helps as an acne-spot treatment for any breakouts and helps decrease acne-causing bacteria
- The FlashMud mask feels soft and smooth upon application, has a fresh scent, and helps restore any depleted hydration
- The ThirstyMud mask is very hydrating and really improves the appearance of dull skin, restoring radiance and promoting a healthy glow
- Results were much faster than expected, I noticed visible results directly following application (though over time with continual use results are more improved)
- All of the masks seemed to help minimize the appearance of pores
- You can use several of the masks on the face at once if you want to mix it up, and see desired benefits in targeted areas (i.e. anti-acne formulations for the chin and anti-aging benefits for the forehead)
Cons
- One of the masks (Flashmud, a brightening treatment in an orange bottle) did result in some skin redness and irritation, and while I did not opt to return the entire item (as I enjoyed the other products), it’s certainly frustrating, so as with any starter set or gifting package, the entire item must be returned to ensure a refund, as individual products are ineligible for exchange
- The tubes are small, however they all lasted longer than anticipated (several months) and minimal product is needed for application, so the product is actually discount in comparison to retail value
Money-Back Guarantee
The manufacturer, GlamGlow, has a strong return and exchange policy that honors full refunds upon dissatisfaction or allergy, this policy favors both the new and returning consumer. If you are dissatisfied with the use of the products, or if they do not work for your skin to provide suitable benefits, or you experience any product allergy or reaction to the formulations, you may elect to return the entire set. In this case, you will receive a full refund equal to the entire purchase price of the item. You may also wish to exchange the product for an equal and full refund- or opt for a single product you prefer. One must bear in mind that you will need to return the entire set, as individual items within the kit are not available for return.
Even with allergy to one of the masks, I enjoyed the others so much I did decide to keep the set, and still felt it offered a really good value. It is important to mention you should always spot test prior to application (which I failed to do).
The Final Verdict
If you’re in search of the perfect gift for someone in your life who loves masks or skincare, or are simply looking to try out a variety of products at a discount to retail value, I would recommend the GlamGlow Mask Set. Even though one product in the set was irritating to my skin, I opted to keep the collection, as the other included products really exceeded my initial expectations.
The masks work individually and in tandem to provide benefits to the skin including hydration, improved radiance, anti-acne benefits, improved cellular turnover, exfoliation, and anti-aging benefits. Its a great way to test out several products at once to see which you’d enjoy purchasing, if desired, and a great way to both add variety that comes at a savings, or experiment with a product you may not have tried otherwise.
Many fans of the brand and masks seem to have sensitive skin, so barring any allergy to specific ingredients contained in product formulations, I would agree that the products included are all suitable for every skin type, including sensitive skin, and just recommend spot testing prior to application, as all mask products can trigger allergy or irritation.
Recommended!
